budget
how to financially enjoy your wedding day
Making purchases is exhilarating, but writing checks to pay for those purchases is financially draining (in more ways than one).
Many vendors such as entertainment, transportation, ceremony soloists and pianist will accept their last payment installments on your wedding day. You certainly don’t want to be carrying around your checkbook, it probably won’t match your wedding dress!
Create a list of those vendors and write out checks on the Thursday before your wedding. Give them to your planner and she/he will hand those out for you so you’re not having to worry about making sure everyone is paid.
In addition, if you can wait to pay your catering bill on the day of your wedding (room rental, food, taxes, gratuities and other fixed costs) that would psychologically be a good thing. That’s going to be a big check; and one you won’t want to write after your reception is over. It can be a huge let down after a fabulous day. The only last bill to be paid should be your beverage/bar consumption to the end of the evening.
Some caterers/venues have other dates that they require to be paid in full, so you’ll have to check your contract with them. The idea if possible, is to NOT be paying large invoices after your wedding. It’s a downer after a wonderful day.
debunking money saving tips for weddings!
Guest blogger (again) at the fabulous DIYbride.com.
This time we delved in to discuss the real truth about money saving tips for your wedding. Sometimes the tips you read in the wedding magazines aren’t always accurate.
the skinny on your wedding taxes
Taxes. A four-letter word? Obviously not, but it feels like it.
As with any big purchases, taxes will affect your final sales price. Your wedding is no exception. Remember to include your state taxes on projected expenses, such as:
invites
photography albums/photos
dress and tuxes
florist
venue (we’ll talk more about that…..)
Make sure you have a clear estimate from your venue on how much they tax their services and product. For example, some venues here in Evansville, tax their gratuity.
So, here is what your final bill will look like:
19% gratuity
6% gratuity tax
7% sales tax (goes to the state)
1% food and beverage tax
= 33% total possible taxes
What does that mean to you? That $19.95 per plate meal that you are deciding upon, because you thought it fit within your budget, is now $26.53 per plate!
Staggering isn’t it? That’s why you want to really have everything in writing and ask question after question if you don’t understand. There are no stupid questions! Or hire a wedding planner. Either way…get the skinny on the true tax picture!
Plan on! -saundra
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